The United Nations has welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire in Syria during the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha.

The Syrian army has committed to the UN-proposed truce, but says it reserves the right to respond to rebel attacks.

Martin Nesirky, spokesman for the UN Secretary-General said, “It is in everybody’s interest, not least the long-suffering Syrian people, that the guns fall silent tomorrow morning for the Eid holiday.”

The Free Syrian Army plans to honour the truce, but spokesman Ahmed Kassem says the group fears action from state forces. “During the period of ceasefire the number of the victims usually increases and we are afraid this will be the case again.”

Other opposition forces are also sceptical. Islamist group Ansar al-Islam won’t commit to the ceasefire, saying it doesn’t believe the government will stick to it.

According to activists, more than 32,000 people have been killed since the Syrian conflict began in March 2011.